Originally conceived on April 21, 1950 as a not-for-profit theatrical organization, the Springfield Municipal Opera
Association transformed a 55-acre wheat field into an outdoor amphitheater. On June 17, 1950, thousands of people
viewed the opening night performance of our first production, 'The Merry Widow'.

The Muni flourished until a series of setbacks in the mid-1950's and a major fire in 1963 destroyed part of the
facilities. A second fire the following year destroyed what was left.

With hopes for a rebirth, a test production of "Bye Bye Birdie" was staged in Douglas Park in 1964. The Springfield
community responded with such enthusiasm that the Muni was able to rebuild its facility and return to the lake site
theater in 1965. That year, patrons showed their support of The Muni when they saw "The Music Man" and "South Pacific".

In 1967, the Muni produced three shows: "Brigadoon", "Guys and Dolls" and "Camelot", and attendance grew.
The Muni bravely staged its first four-production season in 1972: "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown", "1776", "Most
Happy Fella", "The Sound of Music", and attendance jumped again showing us it was the right decision to make.

In the summer of 2006, the Muni welcomed its one millionth patron with a special celebration during the run of "Aida".

The Muni continues to produce four shows a season and each summer the Muni audience continues to grow. With support
from our sponsors, enthusiastic audiences, and a dedicated and talented corps of volunteers onstage and backstage,
the Muni has become one of the largest community theaters in the Midwest. We believe that we are the largest
organization of our type in the country that is completely self-supporting, dependent neither on grants nor tax
dollars.

For more than 60 years, we entertain thousands of people each summer with the best in musical theatre.
The Muni is a unique jewel in Springfield's landscape, a beautiful site tucked away at the lake that offers families
and friends a venue to spend time together, volunteer, perform, direct and enjoy quality entertainment.

Each year, great thought and consideration are given to developing the season. It is our goal not only to provide you
with shows that are familiar but also new productions. We are proud to be part of this community and grateful for
your continued support.

Shows of the Muni

2017

Willy Wonka; Mary Poppins; White Christmas; Grease

2016

South Pacific; Sweeney Todd; Nice Work if You Can Get It; Disney's Little Mermaid

2015

Spamalot; Suessical; West Side Story; Cabaret;

2014

Sound of Music; All Shook Up; Shrek the Musical; Jekyll &amp Hyde

2013

Les Misérables; Dreamgirls; Peter Pan; RENT

2012

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; Crazy for You; Once On This Island; Beauty and the Beast

2011

Big River; Guys and Dolls; Hairspray; The Wizard of Oz

2010

Seussical; Into The Woods; Jesus Christ Superstar; Annie

2009

Oliver!; The Producers; Fiddler on the Roof; Disney High School Musical

2008

Hello, Dolly!; All Shook Up; The Secret Garden; The Music Man

2007

Miss Saigon; Peter Pan; Grease; Oklahoma!

2006

Annie Warbucks; Chicago; Elton John & Tim Rice’s Aida; The King and I

2005

The Sound of Music; Ragtime; Annie Get Your Gun; Disney’s Beauty And The Beast